Counterfactual theory as an under-utilised analytical framework for studying precarious work experiences
| Date | 04 February 2019 |
| Pages | 288-302 |
| Published date | 04 February 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-11-2017-0367 |
| Author | Constantine Manolchev,Karl Teigen |
| Subject Matter | HR & organizational behaviour,Global HRM |
Counterfactual theory as an
under-utilised analytical
framework for studying
precarious work experiences
Constantine Manolchev
University of Exeter Business School, Penryn, UK, and
Karl Teigen
Department of Psychology, Universitetet i Oslo Institutt for Psykiatri,
Oslo, Norway
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences and attitudes associated with “precarious
work”, an umbrella term for insecure, casual, flexible, contingency, non-standard and zero-hour types
of employment.
Design/methodology/approach –The investigation was carried-out through two studies. The “outside-in”
view was represented by business undergraduates (n¼56), responding to a four-item questionnaire on
precarious work. It was contrasted with the “inside-out”perspective of migrant, care and hospitality workers
(n¼72) expressed in 48 in-depth interviews, and four focus groups.
Findings –Participant narrativ es included counterfa ctual comparisons that we re more often of a
downward (“it could have been worse”)thanofan upward(“not as good as it could have b een”)
kind. Precarious part icipants spontaneously remarke d that they were “lucky”(rather than “unl ucky”)tobe
in precarious work.
Research limitations/implications –Precarious work is likely to give rise to insecurity, uncertainty and
vulnerability. However, this study distinguishes between the perspectives of “outside-in”observers, and
“inside-out”participants. The former view was aligned with the standard view of work social scientists, yet
the latter ran counter to both. Interestingly, the narratives of participants were compatible with the
self-evaluations of people exposed to other hardships (like natural disasters).
Originality/value –There is a limited researc h on how the use of counterfactual thinking and difference
of vantage points shape s attitudes and evaluati ons of precariousness. T o the authors’knowledge , this
is the first study whic h has identified and expl ained the unprompted u se of “luck”in the narratives of
precarious workers.
Keywords Mixed methodologies, Job insecurity
Paper type Research paper
Mikhail is Eastern European and disillusioned with life in his native country. He is struggling to
make his rent payments and, after all bills are paid, there is little left for food. Having heard from
friends that there is plenty of work in Britain which pays well, he decides to try his luck.
Once in Britain, Mikhail signs up with an agency which offers him short-term work.
He is paid at the minimum-wage level, has to share a flat with several others to keep costs down and
is often called in to do shifts at a short notice. Mikhail is aware that there are better jobs out there
and knows that many would not want to do what he does. Life in Britain is not easy, even so,
Mikhail considers himself lucky. Although precarious, his present circumstances are an
improvement on life at home.
The above narrative illustrates the gap between “outside-in”perspectives and
the workplace experience for a number of our interview respondents, and also indicates the
intrusion of counterfactual thinking in critical life situations where worse, or better scenarios
can be conceived (Epstude and Roese, 2008; Roese and Hur, 1997; Roese and Olson, 1997).
Personnel Review
Vol. 48 No. 1, 2019
pp. 288-302
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0048-3486
DOI 10.1108/PR-11-2017-0367
Received 29 November 2017
Revised 27 March 2018
Accepted 23 August 2018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0048-3486.htm
288
PR
48,1
To continue reading
Request your trial